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American Morning

Great Train Robbery Fugitive Returns to England

Aired May 07, 2001 - 10:11   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
LEON HARRIS, CNN ANCHOR: In England, a fugitive of the so-called "Great Train Robbery" has run out of track. The 71-year-old criminal, who has spent nearly half his life on the run, returned home to Britain today, and to a jail cell that has awaited him for decades.

Let's get the latest now from reporter Terry Lloyd.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

TERRY LLOYD, ITN REPORTER (voice-over): After 35 years on the run, fugitive train robber Ronnie Biggs flew back home in style to find scores of Scotland Yard policeman waiting for him. The executive jet, chartered by a national newspaper, touched down at RAF Norfolk, the air base just outside London, often used by royalty and world leaders.

On board was the 71-year-old Biggs, frail and in poor health, and Bruce Reynolds, who masterminded the Great Train Robbery and who was flown out to join his old accomplice. Waiting was Chief Superintendent John Coles, head of Scotland Yards serious and organized crime squad. Dozens more uniformed officers were there as back-up.

(on camera): During his short stopover here, Biggs was formally rearrested for being unlawfully at large. He was then transferred, with an armed police escort, to a London police station to be examined by a doctor.

(voice-over): Not everyone was pleased to see the prison escapee back in Britain. Some made their feelings clear. For 30 years, Biggs stayed in the safety and sunshine of Rio de Janeiro, foiling all attempts to extradict him. But three strokes have seriously affected his health and rendered him speechless. He volunteered to return to the country he fled.

Biggs was given a 30-year prison sentence for his part in the Great Train Robbery back in 1963. But in spectacular style, he broke out of prison after serving a fraction of his time. Today, he was given another police escort with flashing lights as he taken to West London Magistrate's Court to be formally charged.

Later, he is expected to be taken to Belmarsh top security prison, which has hospital facilities and where he will be processed before transferred to another British jail. Terry Lloyd, ITN, West London.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

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